Singer 29K Patcher Sewing Machine

64 thoughts on “Singer 29K Patcher Sewing Machine”

1. Robin 2010/04/17 at 13:08

   Do you have user manuals for the 29K58? I just purchased one and would like to know the proper thread path etc. Any help would be great

   Thanks
2. dontai Post author2010/04/19 at 09:43

   I did not see a user guide specific for the 29K58, only for models 4, 62 and 70. No matter, they all thread about the same. Note that threading is extremely important and you’ll need that long wire with a notched end to get the thread down the head properly.

   You may also date your 29K at the Singer site. I believe all were made in Clydebank, Scotland. Google “Singer 29K Register numbers”.
3. kathy 2010/05/10 at 14:48

   I just purchased a 29k71 that is going to need a bit of refurbishing. I’ve searched the Singer site for parts with no luck – any idea where i might be able to find parts? Specifically, the long threading wire, a new belt and the optional sewing base. Thanks!
4. dontai Post author2010/05/11 at 08:04

   You have very nice leatherwork on your aosleather.etsy.com site.

   You can get patcher parts from shoe maker stores. If you are from Michigan you could try HorseNHarness.com. They have patcher parts on their web site, specifically the threader and the belt. I’ve not tried them. Cindy at Sew-Classic.com may be able to order you the parts. For me, being from Toronto, Canada we have National Shoe. I know they have the belts in stock and they can order 29K parts. You are not far from Toronto.

   The optional wooden base, the one that extends the arm into a small flat surface is no longer sold. You can make one out of wood. Others have looked for this option but have not found a supplier.
5. kathy 2010/05/12 at 16:50

   I cannot thank you enough for referring me to HorseNHarness.com – I just got off the phone to them and I am doing a happy dance! Not only will they be able to provide me with all of the parts I need, but they appear to be a veritable wealth of info on the machine itself, as they have used this model for years. This is no doubt something i will find invaluable as i get this beauty up & running. You have made my day!
   Thanks also for your kind words on my leatherwork. I look forward to adding items to my shop that have been sewn with this vintage Singer.
6. Ray 2010/06/07 at 12:58

   I have a 29k-62 that I received from my father’s estate. I am planning to use it for some canvas sewing projects on my sailboat. It’s had a rough life and after sitting in the basement for years at my dad’s, it was in need of some serious cleaning. I found a great copy of the manual on the Smithsonian site that is readable and also free. It looks like there some good sites on Ebay for needles and other small parts for these machines. I finally got it working after a couple of evenings cleaning it with kerosene. The machine sews without a skip, although I have had problems with getting it to do long stitches (5 to 6 per inch). It seems like there is too much play in the stitch regulator adjustment collar, which seems to keep the foot from moving all the way back and forth. I’ve looked at the parts manual and in comparison, it doesn’t seem like there is any excessive wear on the collar, although that seems like the obvious problem, since it allows the outside bars(feeding foot?) to slide past the needle bar, limiting the needle bar’s travel. Has anyone had to dealt with a feed travel problem?
   I’m also looking for a replacement stop motion flanged bushing for mounting the hand crank at the end of the machine, which was pretty broken up.
7. paul 2010/09/22 at 08:45

   i have 2 singer 29k’s for sale one is a 29k15 made in 1906 and the other is a 29k55 from 1920 these are both for sale only one has original treadle the other is just the machine there are plenty of other bits like dot rivet fixers leather hole punch, loads of needles, if u r interested then give me a call 07516638987. thanks i live in torquay devon uk
8. Linda Kirkpatrick 2010/10/10 at 16:51

   I have just the cast iron base. Willing to consider offers. I live in Moline, IL, USA. My email is soldalready @yahoo.com. [ed: This base has sold. Thanks for looking]
9. Luke 2010/12/27 at 14:16

   Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone could help me. I just bought a 29k71 from a guy who threw in a single phase induction motor. The only this is I can’t figure out how to hook up the motor. I’ve searched the internet without any luck, if anyone has any info that could help me it would be much appreciated!

   Thanks, Luke
10. dontai Post author2010/12/28 at 12:51

    After some thought I question why you would want to use a motor on a patcher. Patchers are used for fine detail sewing in tight and difficult spaces. Doing sewing a stitch at a time is often the only way to sew accurately. Speed is your enemy and patience is your friend. I also do not think the patcher would be able to accurately function at more than manual speed anyway. You might get lots of missed stitches.

    Motors are used on flatbed sewing machines. Besides the motor you will need a clutch attached to a foot pedal. Press the foot pedal down and the clutch engages the motor and turns a wheel. Use a fan belt to attach the motor’s wheel to the sewing machine’s drive wheel. Most commercial sewing machines and some consumer machines still use this mechanism. You could try to use the motor without a clutch but the sewing machine might sew too quickly for you, wrecking your sewing project. Swear words would be spoken.
11. Luke 2010/12/28 at 14:28

    Thanks for the response. After reading it I agree with you, I just figured since the guy threw in the motor anyway there must be a way he was going to hook it up… Anyways I’ll stick to the hand wheel! Thanks again.
12. Ray 2011/02/17 at 13:30

    My 1942 vintage 29K-62 patcher has the original electric motor setup on it. it took some time to figure out how to get the clutch/brake system to work. Once I figured it out I realized it had worn a hole through the clutch cover so the release spring was poping out. After brazing the hole and a pin to hold the spring in place, it has worked great. However, the thing can run crazy fast. I made a table for it so I can do flat sewing as well and am using the electric motor for the straight line sewing. It seems to work fine. It has plenty of power at slow speeds, since the motor is running at a constant speed. It is a bit noisy compared to hand cranking…
13. John Warr 2011/04/05 at 11:35

    We have a large bobbin long arm machine. It is in very fine condition and stitches nicely BUT only in certain directions. In some directions it misses stitches. Any idea why ?

    By the way, patcher machines used in heel bars etc are electrically driven as there is often no space for a treadle base. Ours is actually drilled for such a small motor though we use it on a cast iron treadle. Some heel bar benches are built so that the patcher is mounted on a turntable so it can be swung put of the way. Another reason why they are often converted to electric drive. Low power, low speed motor. No clutch.
14. Ray 2011/04/08 at 10:21

    I find it difficult to get the stitch length on my 29k-62 to go less than 7-8 stitches per inch. The aftermarket stitch regulators don’t seem to help, either. The pin and roller that follows the eccentric in the sewing head is slightly loose. Has anyone replaced this pin/rivet with any success?
15. Dawn 2011/06/09 at 02:53

    Please can you advise me what is the correct thread to use on my 29K patcher machine for sewing leather? Also I am looking for a Singer Treadle Stand for my machine in the UK. Anyone know of one for sale?
16. dontai Post author2011/06/09 at 13:40

    Polyester thread is my choice. It is strong enough not to easily break by hand, will not rot and lasts a long time. You should be able to find it called upholstery thread. Cotton will rot and quickly break.
17. lee 2011/09/13 at 14:08

    I have just purchased a Singer 29k 71 and I want to use it to repair ice hockey gloves. I have tried for hours to set it up but it will not stitch. Any help please?
18. I want to buy a Singer 29K 71 please some body can said that they have on for sale 2011/09/19 at 20:17

    Please if somebody has one for sale I really appreciate your answer, is a gift that I promised for somebody special for me.
19. dontai Post author2011/09/20 at 06:38

    Singer 29k patchers are relatively rare. They are also very heavy, which means that transporting them across the country is expensive. Try your local area’s shoe repair stores and shoe maker supply stores. Sometimes a shoe repair store closes down and they sell their equipment. Also keep a watch on your local Kijiji and Craigslist, though this is rare.
20. PHIL 2011/09/22 at 15:48

    I HAVE A 29K71 I WOULD LIKE TO SELL. IT CAME FROM A SHOE REPAIR SHOP IN NORTHERN MN. If anyone is interested in buying my 29k71 contact me by phone at 320-259-5590
21. Jewel 2011/12/01 at 18:59

    I have one for sale in very good condition. Please email or call 406-347-5243 (Montana, USA)
22. Ann 2011/12/26 at 16:07

    Hi I am trying to find part no 82150 for my singer 29k 53 . I live in England and have been trying for a while to find this part can anyone please help.
23. Linda Kirkpatrick 2012/01/05 at 02:22

    I wrote on here Oct 10, 2010 that I had a treadle base to sell. I have since sold it, but now I don’t know how to remove my previous posts, and still get an occasional email asking me if its still for sale. Can my old post be removed please? Thanks for any help you can provide.
24. lainey wilcox 2012/01/11 at 14:44

    I recently purchased a singer 29k 58. The motor was working wonderfully when I tried it out, but when I got it home it only hums even with the belts off. I would like to know what parts that I need to reconnect the treadle as it should be. I have the black rod with the hook that attaches to the treadle so what do I need to get from the rod to the drive wheel?
25. Steve Quaife 2012/02/02 at 20:06

    Would anyone out there have a owners manual for a Singer29k70 that they would sell of may a copy of and sell. If so please drop me a note stevequaife@bell.net

    Thanks
    Steve

    [ed: Steve, my article has a link to a free downloadable copy of the Singer 29K70 manual. Download it to your PC and print it yourself.]
26. Verl Averett 2012/02/04 at 15:25

    I have a 29k73 and all the parts move But the upper thread isn’t picking up the bobbin thread. It puts holes in the fabric as if it were sewing but the stitches are not getting locked. The upper thread tends to get sort of stuck on the underside of the fabric causing the top to lock sewn but as soon as you pull it unravels. Do you know any way to fix it. The machine was my great grandparents from their shoe repair store and been passed to my mom who hasn’t used it since she got it from her dad a few years ago. Any help will be appreciated.
27. dontai Post author2012/02/05 at 09:59

    Hi Verl,
    One of the charms of the 29K is its complexity, specifically the bobbin setup. Firstly the tension on the bobbin thread when you wind it is important in that too loose and it just will not stitch right.

    Secondly, and this may be your issue, is that placing the bobbin into the bobbin holder is complex. You will need to download the user manual (see above in this blog entry) and follow the instructions exactly. It is difficult to figure out how to place the bobbin into the bobbin holder correctly without the written instructions. When I have not changed my bobbin for a while I too forget and need to reference the manual.

    There is probably nothing wrong with your 29K, and it should outlive you, your kids and your grandkids, and it used to work well on a daily basis. With proper bobbin threading your problem should disappear.
28. GEORGE GUTIERREZ 2012/03/08 at 17:56

    HELLO; PLEASE I NEED THE SINGER 29K, SERIES , THANK YOU MIAMI 30538833
29. Geoff Cramb 2012/04/30 at 02:31

    I have a 29K58 and use in hobby work. Two issues have arisen the foot simply goes up and down with no travel forward or back. Also adjusting the thumb-screwed collar makes no difference to a stitch length – that was the first thing I noticed, then the non-movement of the foot. Maybe related? I can do handyman stuff. A bit of guidance would be helpful. I can’t find any repair person who will look at it!
30. susie duval 2012/06/02 at 20:21

    I have a old singer sewing machine NO: 29K73 good condition
    you interressing for buy that contact me deschamps.duval@videotron.ca a live québec canada and i sorry my english it not good I speak french Susie Duval
31. igor yague 2012/06/11 at 07:03

    Hello. I have an old singer sewing machine NO. 29k56 I want to know where I can buy a few pieces and user manual. I also have a small manual sewing machine VILH PEDERSEN HONG MODEL NO.308 and also I need few pieces…but here in Spain nobody knows nothing about. If someone can help me. Sorry for my English.

    [Don: You can download the 29k62 user manual (above blog post) which will be very similar to your machine. All the patchers are essentially the same. AS for buying parts for your 29k, try the Singer site. Many of the patchers were made in Scotland, so this is not far from Spain. Parts for these patchers are also available from shoe supply and repair stores, which can also be found in Spain.

    As for your other sewing amchine, I have no clue.]
32. Arizona 2012/12/30 at 17:14

    Thank you for all the info! I just bought my 29K70 after looking for years for a functional machine! I am so excited and now to have the manual even better!! thank you for posting this!!

    [Don: Hi Hector, These machines are pretty common with shoe makers. I use mine to repair shoes, but to also repair or sew anything that is narrow or difficult to get into with a flatbed. jacket sleeves for leather jackets are much easier to do with a patcher.

    Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Look up your machine to see where and what year it was manufactured. Happy sewing!]
33. Ana Kim 2013/01/18 at 14:29

    I have the same problem as George. I have looked on some forums where they told me what it is (the feed motion mechanism, cam wheel I think). I need to replace that part, I guess. But I can only find 29k71 parts and mine is a 29k15. In the parts lists, they have different numbers, so I have strong doubts they would be interchangeable, even though they look like it. Do you know, Don? I know horsenharness has 29k4 parts which would work for mine but they are on the other side of the atlantic and prohibitively expensive, compared to the English companies that carry the 29k71 parts.
    Thanks Don, from a fellow Canadian, away from home! P.S. I have bookmarked your site and plan to read on your other topics which look fascinating.
34. Kim w. 2013/03/11 at 21:24

    I’m interested & wanting to buy a Singer 29k machine ASAP. I can be reached at 770-256-XXXX.

    [Don: Hi Kim, and thanks for your interest in the Singer 29k patcher. You will need to search in the Atlanta area for one. Try shoe findings stores, because these machines are usually only sold to cobblers and others that repair shoes. They are also very heavy so shipping one would be prohibitively expensive. Good luck, and happy sewing!]
35. Lila Henry 2013/03/12 at 17:08

    Hello, Don, I had a 29K treadle for 15 years of doing shoe repair. Now I have a 29-4, it’s running really well. I am going back into shoe repair, but only for patching rips. I’m writing to ask if I might use your photo of the sewing machine on my business card. Thanks!
36. Paul Zimmerman 2013/04/10 at 19:07

    I have a Singer 29K-1 on a stand in sewing condition. It was made in 1911 and was used in the 1940’s and 50’s by a cobbler. Since then it has seen light duty and has been well maintained.

    I also have a Singer 29-4 that is from a factory. It lacks a cam/pulley (available from horsenharness for $110.00) and bobbin(s). It may also need new gears in the horn.

    My phone number is 608 528 4533. I am in Wisconsin CST.
37. Jim King 2013/04/21 at 06:54

    I have a mod 29K sewing machine. Where can I get thread that works for this machine. I bought a spool from a local repair leather worker, but I would guess its nylon and all it does is ball up in the shuttle. It does this on my other sewing machine also. Then how do I get a longer stitch on the 29, I have tried to adjust mine moving the fixture up and down but all it does is sew the very close stitch set up all ready. Thanks for your help in advance. Jim

    [Don: Hey Jim, thanks for stopping by. Leather sewing thread, which I also use, has strands that are too thin and weak for the patcher. It can be coated with wax, which might gum up the machine. Leather sewing thread is also much thicker and is primarily used for hand stitching.

    For the patcher I usually use upholstery thread, available at the local sewing store. Specifically I use the Gutermann brand name. It is 100% polyester and extremely strong. In fact I cannot break it with just my hands. The thread does somewhat easily unwind, so you will need to be careful when you are not sewing. I am sure there are other brands available, but pure polyester thread is strong and will not mold or break down with exposure to water through time. When sewing leather this is important because after you put in so much effort in making a repair you do not want the thread to break down after only a short while. While upholstery thread is more expensive than regular sewing thread, it is still pretty inexpensive considering how durable it is.

    You can also get a comparable thread from a shoe findings store, but they are not so easily found. Here in Toronto Canada I use National Shoe Specialties Inc, in Toronto. They also have patcher parts and any kind of shoe parts you would ever need.

    Ensure that you are threading the bobbin correctly, or you will never get a good stitch. You will need to follow the instruction manual (for a link see above in my post) carefully. I constantly need to review this procedure as I do not change my bobbin regularly enough to always remember the procedure.

    The stitch length is adjusted with a little adjustment just above the needle. On the square post (feeder bar) there is a knurled knob to move an adjustment up or down (stitch regulator). Move the regulator down for a longer stitch, or move the regulator up for a shorter stitch. Personally I find it very hard to change my stitch length, as my machine seems to not want to lengthen the stitch length. Also see the manual (above for a link) for more instruction.

    Patchers can be cantankerous and moody, but when you make friends with it they can calm down and do good work. You always need to make peace with your patcher or you will never get a good stitch out of her. I never sew when mad or upset. Good luck.

    Don]
38. Jim King 2013/04/21 at 16:28

    Holey Moley Don I never expected a response that quick let alone such an informative answer to my main question. Thank You so much. My wife and I drive Big Truck and will be away from home for the rest of the month. Rest assure I will hit our local fabric store to try out the thread you suggest. The balling problem I’m having is because I have nylon thread I would guess. This same problem occurred in the other two regular machines I have, so this thread I have is not compatible in any of these. But the tent and leather repair shop I bought from uses it in his machine; oh well. The machine I have does work well except for the thread problem. That I will address ASAP. Thanks again Don. Jim King , Elmira, NY
39. George Wyatt 2013/04/28 at 22:38

    I have a 29K55 and have no memory of how to thread it up – is there a manual/instructions/video to teach me what to do? (I haven’t used it for a few years)

    [Don: Hi George, and thanks for commenting. Above in this post is the link to the 29K62 user manual, which will diagram how to thread the patcher. No doubt it is trickier than a regular sewing machine. Pay particular attention to how the bobbin gets installed, as this will greatly affect your results. The long threading wire is odd looking but very necessary to use.

    Good Luck]
40. Jim King 2013/04/29 at 11:06

    Go to you tube and enter a search -threading a 29K…there are several there. Hope that helps.
41. Yvonne & Julien Jalbert 2013/05/10 at 22:11

    Good Evening, we have a 29K02 Singer machine. Was this one built in the same year has the 29K? It’s in very good working order. The machine is missing all its parts the box included. We can’t use it to sew with, with out all it’s parts. Can we get the shuttle, needles and so on? Please let us know.

    Box515, Lafleche,Sask. S0H2K0

    [Don: Hello MomJalbert, Yes, most of the parts are available for the 29K patcher. Here in Canada you can contact National Shoe in Toronto, Ontario. They have a catalogue of their 29K parts, so you can order by part number. They have shuttles, or can get them, and they certainly have needles. Don’t forget bobbins.

    I am sure there are other companies that sell 29K parts in the US, but as I live in Toronto and National Shoe, I would start with them. You can request a catalogue. Shipping 29K parts should not be too expensive.]
42. vinc 2013/05/30 at 18:08

    hello,

    i’m looking for manual for singer 29k2 and if somebody can me explain how i can open it and clean the machine….thx

    vincent

    [Don: Hi Vincent. I provide links to 3 different manuals in my post. Most 29Ks are very similar so the maintenance is the same. Please download the manuals and look at the maintenance section.]
43. LEO 2013/06/19 at 14:48

    Mam taka maszyne.ktos chetny na kupno.sprzedam
44. Eva Wiebe 2013/08/13 at 21:52

    my brother has a 29K2, & he would like to know when it was manufactured
    I can’t seem to find the info on it. I can find the info for all the other serial numbers but not for his. It starts with F.

    [Don: Hi Eva. If you have gone through my links to Singer for manufacturer serial numbers the next step is to contact Singer directly and ask for help.]
45. Han 2013/11/27 at 18:31

    I have a 29k55 from 1925. I had to time the machine and I used the manual from the k72, k73 and k74 but when I follow that the shuttle is going the wrong direction. I think that the point of the shuttle should be after the needle when the needle is at the lowest point to take the upper thread on its way back. But I can’t reach that point by turning the eccentric screw.

    Problem solved. The machine was wrong assembled by the seller. I turned a gear 1 tooth.
46. rui portugal 2014/01/09 at 14:26

    Sorry about my english i dont write a for long time. Today i see a 21k58 and that peace (i dont no the name ) who goes up than to the front than go down and push de leather is not working, it stay down and dont push the leather. Somebody can help me , i whant to by the machine but i dont now how to fix it.

    Tanks a lot.

    Rui from Portugal
47. Mike Bowen 2015/01/13 at 02:36

    My 29 K had the same problem when I bought it. I disassembled the head to look for the problem. A scew holding parts of the feed mechanism had come out. I replaced the screw and it began working. Tonight I ordered a new bell crank lever to increase stitch length. Mike Bowen – Texas
48. Gwen 2015/04/22 at 13:32

    We purchased a 29k2 patcher. We know it is old…but there HAS to be somewhere to get help! First of all, we need to know how to properly thread the darned thing, and how to properly thread the bobbin. There Are dials and buttons we have no clue what they are for. The stitch size is small, is there any way to change that? We have adjusted the foot, but any way to change the foot shaft?

    I called Landis in Quebec, they said the manual for 29k71 is very similar to the 29k2. This machine is more trouble than its worth at this point.

    [Don: Hi Gwen, and welcome to my site. All the Singer patchers are very much the same but work much differently than a standard sewing machine. This is especially true to threading the needle. Loading the bobbin into the shuttle on a patcher is tricky, and if you do it incorrectly your stitches will not come out evenly. The first thing to do is download any of the user manuals, such for the 29-4 and begin reading. Loading the bobbin starts on p4 and threading the needle starts on p8. Practice on some old leather until you get the hang of the patcher. Changing the stitch length is on p12. Singer patchers did not markedly change their design, so the 29k4 manual will probably be all you need. Best of luck and happy sewing. Don]
49. Cee 2015/07/10 at 12:36

    We have a 29K58 from an estate, head and base, and many parts, complete with the original wooden shipping crate. Research shows it was made in Scotland in 1937.

    Would anyone be able to direct me to a site that would list the parts/accessories which originally came with the machine when it was shipped to a buyer? I have been able to find a user’s guide and an operator’s guide for 29K but no luck with a list of the parts/accessories.

    It appears to be in decent shape for its age, and we need to clean it up and probably sell it, but have no idea of its value.
    Any help in this search will be most appreciated. Thank you.

    [Don: I have never seen any site that outlines the original contents of the shipping crate. You are asking for information from 1937. Singer’s site will help you properly date the machine, provide a parts list and user manual. Apart from the optional sewing base, I don’t recall any other accessories for the 29k. These commercial machines were purpose built for shoe repair.

    Good luck, and happy sewing, Don]
50. Ann Stacy 2015/10/24 at 20:09

    I am looking for more information on the Singer 29K15.
    Where can I locate a parts manual and instruction manual. Will the 29K manual work with mine?

    I look forward to hearing from you.

    Ann Stacy

    [Don: Hi Ann, yes all the 29k Patcher manuals are roughly the same, so they will work with your 29K15. Singer has pretty good documentation for parts and user manuals. Happy sewing!]